Grading Policies

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The grade of “IP” (“In Progress”) signifies that the student is making satisfactory progress toward completing the graduate thesis. This grade will apply only to graduate thesis courses where the student’s thesis is still in progress.

This grade is available only for the following courses:

An “IP” grade acknowledges the fact that the final course product (thesis) may require some period of time past the semester of registration to complete. The “IP” grade will remain on the student’s record until a final thesis grade is submitted by the instructor. In some cases, a student will be registered for thesis courses as a sequence (e.g MSEM 781 or MSEM 782). When the final grade is submitted by the instructor, it will replace the “IP” grade. The “IP” grade is not computed in the gradepoint average.

In order to remain in good standing while the thesis is “in progress,” the student must register for the thesis continuation fee for each semester he or she is not enrolled in coursework.

The GPA is computed by multiplying the number of credits earned for a course by the numerical value of the grade. The resulting figures from all courses for that semester are then totaled, and this figure is divided by the total number of credits attempted that semester. The grades of I, IP, NC, W, OP, OF, P, and AU are not entered in this computation.

This list is compiled each semester in the respective deans’ offices. The Dean’s List honors those undergraduate students who have met the following criteria:

1. Students are full-time undergraduate degree candidates. Candidates for certificate, diploma, and master’s degrees are not eligible.
2. A minimum semester GPA of 3.60.
3. No grade lower than a “B” in any course.
4. No grade of “I” or “F” in any course.
5. Enrolled in at least 12 credits for a letter grade.

1. In courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis, the standard letter grades of “A” to “C” are converted to “OP” by the Registrar. A grade of “C-” to “F” is recorded as “OF.”
2. The Pass/Fail grading option must be selected prior to the end of the Drop/Add period; no change from Pass/Fail to a regular grade or a regular grade to Pass/Fail may be made after that deadline.
3. Grades of “OP” or “OF” are not computed in the grade-point average.
4. The Pass/Fail policy stipulates that the instructor is not to be informed as to who is enrolled on a Pass/Fail basis.
5. Availability of this option is limited to a total of nine credits in Liberal Arts courses or studio electives during the student’s undergraduate career. Pass/Fail courses may not include First Year Writing, Introduction to Modernism, any Independent Study course, or any required discipline history course.

Instructors must advise a student of unsatisfactory performance in the course with a Notice of Deficiency. Unsatisfactory performance may be based on excessive absences; inappropriate or inadequate classroom participation; the quality of work submitted, performed, or created for the class; or the outcome of exams or other assignments given by the instructor either in class or as listed on the syllabus. Deficiency notices are copied to the student’s advisor and the Office of the Dean of the College in which the student is enrolled.

Deficiency notices may be sent at any point in the semester.

Once a deficiency notice has been received, a student is expected to follow the instruction/s noted on the form, and is strongly encouraged to meet with his/her instructor and advisor as soon after receiving the deficiency notice as possible.

An incomplete grade may be granted only in extraordinary circumstances, either personal or academic, that prevent the student from completing coursework by the end of the semester. The grade “I” is given only when the completed portion of the student’s coursework is of a passing quality. To receive the grade of Incomplete, the student must obtain written approval on the Incomplete Form from the course instructor, and the Dean of the College or the Dean of Liberal Arts prior to the conclusion of the semester.

Incomplete grades not cleared by the end of the sixth week of the following semester will be automatically assigned the grade of “F.” Incomplete Forms are available from the Office of the Registrar.

All students are expected to attend classes regularly and promptly, and for the duration of the scheduled instructional time. Individual instructors will decide the optimum time for taking attendance and may penalize for habitual lateness or absence. Repeated absences may result in a grade of “F” for a course.

Students who withdraw from a course or the University must do so through the Registrar’s Office. Non-attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Full participation is expected of all UArts students and is necessary to fully benefit from and succeed in the University’s programs of study.

Absences from class may result in a lowered grade or an “F” in the course, depending on the attendance policies stated by the instructor on the syllabus. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange with his/her instructor(s) to make up all missed work. Failure to do so will also affect the student’s grade.

In the event that absences are the result of extraordinary, documented circumstances and are numerous enough that it is impossible for the student to qualify for advancement, the student may be advised to withdraw from the course. If the course is required for the degree, the student will also be required to repeat the course in a subsequent semester.

Students must check every morning for notices regarding class or lesson changes. Such notices are posted in a designated area. If none are posted for the scheduled class or lesson and the instructor is not present, students are expected to wait 10 minutes for an hour-long class/lesson and 15 minutes for those of longer duration. In the event the instructor fails to appear within the 10-15 minute waiting period, students are to report to the appropriate School Director’s or Department Chairperson’s office and may then leave without penalty.